KAPRI

Fueled by her love of 90s clubland and her rich Caribbean roots, Canadian singer-songwriter KAPRI is a cross-cultural phenomenon. Universal Music Canada’s latest domestic signing, KAPRI was born and raised in Edmonton but now calls Toronto home. It’s her unique upbringing, however, that sparked an interest in music and landed her debut single, “Deeper,” a coveted No. 1 spot on the Canadian Spotify Viral Chart.

KAPRI was raised by a single mother from Trinidad and Tobago who opened Alberta’s first Afro-Caribbean dance studio. While watching her mom perfect routines to beat-driven Soca rhythms and African drums, KAPRI developed a strong connection to bass and syncopated rhythm. She’s also influenced by soul legends such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan, as well as house-music pioneers like Robin S and Martha Wash (the latter with whom KAPRI has already shared a stage at Toronto’s World Pride in 2014). Rather than emulating her heroes, KAPRI goes deeper on “Deeper,” offering a modern take on 90s dance music with a blend of soul. “It’s not about hopping on the 90s-is-back train but rather bringing emotion back to the dance floor where it belongs!” she says of her distinct musical flavour.

KAPRI’s musical influences and instincts have served her well. Her passionate approach to soulful dance music has garnered an international following, and her goal is to prove that “positive vibes can be powerful and not predictable.”